REVIEW: The best yet most affordable network switch (TPLink WR902AC)

[keithc]

I'm a new member and I have a new Gustard R30. I have a situation that makes it difficult to hardwire via ethernet, so I have been using wireless to my streamer. Could you please share the directions with me for step by step set instructions including the software tuning options for the TPLink WR902AC?
Thanks,
Ted R
Fort Wayne, IN

Hi Ted!

Here are the steps: https://www.whatsbestforum.com/thre...work-switch-tplink-wr902ac.41708/post-1095426

Please let us know how it works out in your system!

Keith

 

[alwayslearning]

Is anyone with a Taiko Olympus or Taiko I/O using the TPLink router directly into the Taiko gear (i.e., not using a Taiko Router or Taiko Switch)? If so, are you using a transceiver in Taiko's SFP cage to auto-negotiate the speed difference between the TPLink (100mbps) and the Taiko Olympus or I/O (1000mbps)? If so:

1) Do you like what you are hearing and have you compared this setup to an alternative setup that includes the Taiko Router and/or Switch in the chain?
2) What brand/model transceiver are you using?

 

[shaylin]

For what it's worth...

I haven't researched it, but there might be multiple versions of the Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 in use. I bought mine here in the Netherlands. The user manual states that the mini-USB and USB-C are only used to charge the power bank, not as an output to power the TPLink WR902AC.

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So keep this in mind when purchasing your cable if you plan to buy one separately. I bought this one myself: https://artsexcellence.com/audioquest-forest-micro-usb.html.
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I'll probably receive it tomorrow and report back later to see if it offers any improvement over the thin cable that comes with it.

Have you tried AudioQuest cables yet? Have there been any improvements? I'm also very interested in their cables. Does anyone have any other brand recommendations?

 

[Magnuska]

Have you tried AudioQuest cables yet? Have there been any improvements? I'm also very interested in their cables. Does anyone have any other brand recommendations?

DC Cable

DC Cable,Canare 4S6 DC Cable,Neotech DC Cable,Mundorf DC Cable,Canare DC Cable,Silver-Plated DC Cable,DC Y-Cable,Oyaide DC Cable

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Ghent audio makes what you need

 

[Billgates307]

Have you tried AudioQuest cables yet? Have there been any improvements? I'm also very interested in their cables. Does anyone have any other brand recommendations?

Hi shaylin
No not yet,

It's still on it's way to me.

 

[Windows X]

Stumpled on this thread today from my client's recommendation. I used this since like... 15 years ago with the first iPad. I tested a lot of power bank back then and bought a few tens of this unit to setup for my clients.

It doesn't sound bad, even more preferable than some expensive solutions in some areas. Anyway, this has short range and can be unreliable over time so you might need to pay attention to handle some network connectivity issues.

I was using TP-WR702N model with latest firmware. I prefer this over recent WR902AC that you need to turn off 5GHz. Pure N module sounds cleaner has more air. But WR902AC doesn't sound bad. It has more punches which can help with battery powered situation.

I'll revisit this project again and share my findings later. I'm still charging my Panasonic power bank right now. Haven't touched this for like... 10 years? LoL

 

[Windows X]

I spent some time this evening listening to TP-Link Nano router with client mode setup and use high quality power bank and 100mbps ethernet cable. To my surprise, sound quality got worse significantly compared to normal Link CAT6a ethernet cable from ISP router to streamer directly.

I spent some time thinking and realized back then I was using my own music server design playing local files directly so iPad was sending control command from web UI making this more preferable than USB wifi adapter or ethernet cable from modified network switch at that time. Time sure flies to the point I already forgot how I played back then.

When I use streaming services from ISP modem router sending wifi signal to TP-Link nano router as client mode this time, music data is also transferred too so ethernet cable from main router can maintain signal integrity better.

Please keep in mind this is a stock hardware without any modification and it's based on my personal system with environment I'm familiar with my own preference. My current modified router can setup mesh wifi network and mesh node is working better with modified hardware with high precision clock, low noise components, and tweaked software for streaming.

Perhaps modifying TP-Link WR902AC that can install more recent 3rd-party firmware with custom configuration for audiophile streaming quality can improve sound quality better also. I'll buy one and try tinkering around soon. Right now I've just gotten Apple TV and is very happy with how I can watch music video on Sony A1E OLED TV and send audio through Airplay to my streamer to enjoy both audio and visual together so I'll mod Apple TV first.

 

[adamaley]

I spent some time this evening listening to TP-Link Nano router with client mode setup and use high quality power bank and 100mbps ethernet cable. To my surprise, sound quality got worse significantly compared to normal Link CAT6a ethernet cable from ISP router to streamer directly.

I spent some time thinking and realized back then I was using my own music server design playing local files directly so iPad was sending control command from web UI making this more preferable than USB wifi adapter or ethernet cable from modified network switch at that time. Time sure flies to the point I already forgot how I played back then.

When I use streaming services from ISP modem router sending wifi signal to TP-Link nano router as client mode this time, music data is also transferred too so ethernet cable from main router can maintain signal integrity better.

Please keep in mind this is a stock hardware without any modification and it's based on my personal system with environment I'm familiar with my own preference. My current modified router can setup mesh wifi network and mesh node is working better with modified hardware with high precision clock, low noise components, and tweaked software for streaming.

Perhaps modifying TP-Link WR902AC that can install more recent 3rd-party firmware with custom configuration for audiophile streaming quality can improve sound quality better also. I'll buy one and try tinkering around soon. Right now I've just gotten Apple TV and is very happy with how I can watch music video on Sony A1E OLED TV and send audio through Airplay to my streamer to enjoy both audio and visual together so I'll mod Apple TV first.

Thanks for sharing. Please share which power bank in your estimation is high quality.

 

[Windows X]

Thanks for sharing. Please share which power bank in your estimation is high quality.

Among power banks I tested with a few USB powered devices like HiFace, router, switch, etc., I found Panasonic QE-AL series giving most preferable sonic performance. I bought QE-AL102 when I was visiting Japan.